1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your carultra 12.3'' Touchscreen Car Radio. This device is designed to enhance your driving experience by integrating advanced features like Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink while retaining your vehicle's original controls.
Compatible Vehicle Models: Suitable for Mercedes Benz C and GLC Class W205 X156 C117 models from 2016-2019 equipped with the NTG5.0 system. Please verify your car's system is NTG5.0 before installation. If unsure, contact customer support.
Warranty Note: A 24-month warranty and lifetime technical support are provided. For any installation or usage questions, please consult our engineer service before returning the product.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- 12.3 Inch Benz NTG 5.2 Screen
- Cable Integration
- User Manual
Additional components may include specific cables (Power cable, LVDS cable) and a bracket for installation.
Image: Overview of the 12.3-inch screen and included installation components.
3. Safety Information
- Installation requires removal of the car dashboard. Professional installation is recommended.
- Ensure all functions are working correctly before reassembling the dashboard.
- Incorrect cable connections or setups can lead to functional problems. Refer to the troubleshooting section or contact support if issues arise.
- Always prioritize safe driving. Do not operate the device in a way that distracts you from the road.
4. Setup & Installation
The installation process involves disassembling parts of your car's dashboard and connecting the new screen's wiring harness. Follow these steps carefully.
4.1 General Installation Steps
- Carefully pry up the armrest button panel and remove the screws.
- Pry and remove the center control panel.
- Disconnect the wires connected to the center control panel (five places).
- Pry and remove the upper audio panel.
- Remove the screws securing the original screen and remove the screen.
- Remove the screws from the original screen's bracket and place them into the bracket of the new screen.
- Remove the screws of the CD host (no need to remove screws from the bracket).
- Take out the CD host and unplug the original power cable from the head unit.
- Route the new cables inside the vehicle structure.
- Connect the new power cable with the original power cable and the CD host.
- Assemble the bracket for the new screen.
- Connect the original screen wiring and LVDS cable to the new screen's bracket.
- Install the new screen and tighten the screws at the back.
- Connect the wires of the center control panel and reinstall the panel.
- Reinstall the armrest button panel shell.
Important: Before proceeding with the subsequent installation steps, we recommend testing all functions of the device screen. Detailed functional testing steps can be found in the 4. Functional Testing section of the user manual.
4.2 Optical Fiber Cable Installation
If your original power cord has a fiber optic cable, it must be relocated to the new power cable harness.
- Remove the original power cord from the head unit.
- Carefully remove the fiber optic cable from the original power cord.
- Connect the removed fiber optic cable to the designated slot on the new power cable. Ensure it is in the correct position.
- Connect the male connector of the original power cable to the female connector of the new power cable.
- Connect the male connector of the new power cable to the female connector of the original car host power supply.
Video: Step-by-step guide on how to connect the fiber optic cable to the new power cable.
Video: Instructions on relocating optic cables to the Linux harness for Mercedes vehicles.
4.3 Screen Installation Overview
Video: Comprehensive installation guide for the Wireless CarPlay screen in Benz C GLC Class W205.
Image: Visual comparison of the car's dashboard before and after the 12.3-inch touchscreen installation.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
The device supports Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
- Go to Setup > Smart Phone > Smart Phone List.
- Turn on the CarPlay or Android Auto switch.
- On your iPhone/Android phone, search for the device's Bluetooth name (e.g., "CAR-****") and connect to it.
- Confirm pairing on both devices.
- Once connected, CarPlay or Android Auto will launch on the screen.
Video: Demonstrates how to connect and use CarPlay and mirroring functions.
Image: Display of Wireless CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, and Mirroring features.
5.2 MirrorLink (AirPlay)
MirrorLink allows you to display your smartphone screen directly onto the car radio display.
- Go to Setup > Smart Phone > Smart Phone List.
- Turn on the AirPlay switch.
- On your iPhone, search for the device's Wi-Fi name (e.g., "CAR-****") and connect to it. Enter the password "66666666" if prompted.
- Select "AirPlay" in Screen Mirroring from your iPhone's control center.
Video: Demonstrates how to connect and use CarPlay and mirroring functions.
5.3 Connecting to OEM Bluetooth for Audio
To ensure clear sound for calls and music through CarPlay, connect your phone's Bluetooth to the car's original Bluetooth system.
- Go to Setup > System and open "Use Car's BT Channel".
- Click on Car Settings and turn off the "Auto Switch to AUX" switch.
- Go to OEM Car Info and connect your phone's Bluetooth with your car's Bluetooth.
- Once the connection is successful, switch to the Media menu and connect to Bluetooth audio again.
- After successfully connecting to CarPlay, you will get excellent sound quality for calls and music, with the sound all coming from the car's OEM Bluetooth.
Video: Guide on connecting the NTG5.0 Linux screen to OEM Bluetooth for CarPlay audio.
Video: Demonstrates how to connect CarPlay and activate sound using Method 2.
5.4 Retaining Original Car Controls
The carultra touchscreen is designed to integrate seamlessly with your vehicle, retaining all original car controls and functions.
- Original car radio and CD function are retained.
- Steering wheel controls, voice control buttons, Tel buttons, and knob control are fully supported.
- Original reversing camera, parking radar, and iDrive control remain functional.
Image: Illustration of how the original OEM control unit functions are retained.
5.5 Camera Support
The system supports various camera inputs for enhanced safety and convenience.
- Supports factory original reverse camera and parking radar.
- Compatible with rear-mounted reverse cameras and 360-degree cameras.
- Supports front view camera DVR (CVBS input).
Image: Features such as factory backup camera support and GPS navigation.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 0.8 x 12.3 x 6 inches |
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
| Item Model Number | Benz-NTG5.0 |
| Brand | carultra |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Controller Type | CarPlay / Android Auto |
| Special Feature | Apple CarPlay |
| Compatible Devices | iPhone 6+ |
| Connector Type | USB Type-C |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 2.0 |
| Video Encoding | H.264, H.265/HEVC |
| Color | Black |
Image: Resolution comparison, highlighting the 1920x720 HD resolution for clearer display.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the screen. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Software Updates: Periodically check for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and access to new features. Instructions for updates will be provided by customer support if available.
- Environmental Conditions: Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues, please refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:
- No Power: Check all power connections to ensure they are securely plugged in. Verify the car's fuse box for any blown fuses.
- No Sound: Ensure your phone's Bluetooth is correctly paired with the car's OEM Bluetooth for audio transmission. Check volume levels on both the device and your phone.
- CarPlay/Android Auto Not Connecting: Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your phone. Try restarting both your phone and the car radio. Re-pair the devices if necessary.
- Screen Flickering/Display Issues: Check LVDS cable connection. Ensure all screws are tightened properly.
- Original Controls Not Working: Verify all original wiring harnesses are correctly reconnected.
If problems persist, please contact our customer support for assistance. We provide one-to-one engineer service to help resolve issues.
9. Warranty and Support
Your carultra 12.3'' Touchscreen Car Radio comes with a 24-month warranty and lifetime technical support.
- For any questions during installation or use, please consult us first.
- We provide one-to-one engineer service to guide you through any challenges.
- Please do not return the product directly before asking for help, as many issues can be resolved with professional guidance.
Contact information for support can be found on your purchase receipt or the product packaging.
